I think this moneyer only had two designs of denarii. As usual I first thought how pretty the portrait was and then realized it was Apollo rather than a goddess. This example is heavy at over 4 grams. Love to see other examples or any new Republican coins you might have. Found this telling of the story on Forum: Marsyas - While playing the flute Athena saw her reflection in water, and disturbed by how her cheeks looked, puffed up while playing, threw away the instrument in disgust. Marsyas picked up the flute and since it had once been inspired by the breath of a goddess, it played beautifully on its own accord. Elated by his success, Marsyas challenged Apollo to a musical contest. For the prize, the victor could do what he pleased with the vanquished. The Muses were the umpires. Apollo played the cithara and Marsyas the flute. Only after Apollo added his voice to the music of his lyre was the contest decided in his favour. As a just punishment for the presumption of Marsyas, Apollo bound him to a tree and flayed him alive. His blood was the source of the river Marsyas, and Apollo hung up his skin, like a wine bag, in the cave out of which that river flows.
L. Marcius Censorinus. 82 BC. AR Denarius (17mm, 3.9 g). Rome mint. Laureate head of Apollo right / Marsyas standing left, holding wineskin over shoulder; to right, column surmounted by statue of Minerva(?) standing left. Crawford 363/1d; Sydenham 737; Marcia 24. Ex H.D.Rauch auction 75
I can’t wrap my head around that mark. I also am a little scared of the spooky skull and crossbones on the cheek.
